A few months back, I did a “Graveyard” series, in which the ferry New Bedford was mentioned. It’s the vessel with the tilted steam stack on the left. Some might see an eyesore. I see this looking south, and

this looking north.

And we can all see this looking back: hospital ship for those wounded at Normandy, or even vacation vessel for those traveling from Rhode Island to Block Island for relief. Do you have any recollections of sailing aboard her, either your own or vicarious ones from an older relative or friend?

New Bedford‘s story deserves to be remembered, preserved on film, even if the actual vessel is beyond hope. As does that of ILI-105 aka Michigan (sister of Day-Peckinpaugh). From low tide today, I got this foto

and this.

There’s still enough of her to identify the vessels above, not like the ones a little farther south

or this one with (I believe) long unsupported hand-operated bilge pumps,

But this one has almost decipherable writing (doubleclick enlarges) on front of the house.

It’s Blue Line 101, built on Staten Island in 1933.

All fotos by Will Van Dorp, checking out another graveyard near you soon. Spoken in less ghoulish terms, just trying to take inspiration from John A. Noble. Thanks to Jeff Schurr for identifying Blue Line 101.

Unrelated: I like naturepainter’s fotostream! There are kindred spirits (like him and me) who find each other via the internet and blogging. Naturepainter, keep up the great work!

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